Personally, I'd avoid the conversation with the ML broker altogether.... There's nothing ML can do about it, and there's no reason for the OP to even bother talking to them. It is completely unnecessary.

I agree and concur. Never thought about it that way.

However, since someone alluded to the fact that ML dragged their feet and denied receipt of their original transfer request form, some type of contact may be advisable to avoid any delay beyond when a fee for transfer would kick in. Perhaps an e-mail, even from Vanguard, cc'ing the OP and a copy of the form attached, sent to ML to confirm the transfer request original is "in the mail". Just trying to cover all the bases.